Michelle Dusseau, Ph.D.
Name:
Michelle Dusseau
Titles:
Senior Lecturer and inaugural CIVIC Faculty Fellow
What she does for UCF:
I see my role as a teacher, mentor, and coach; guiding students not only in what they learn, but in how they grow. Career readiness is central to what I do, but so is preparing students for life beyond the classroom. I design learning experiences that help them build communication skills, navigate relationships, and apply what they learn to the opportunities and challenges ahead. I teach a 4/4 load across six different courses each year, spanning strategic, interpersonal, and organizational communication. Many students take multiple courses with me, which allows me to support their growth over time and help them explore the depth and breadth of their abilities.
1. What made you want to call UCF home?
UCF felt like home from my very early days here because of its spirit of possibility. From the beginning, I was drawn to a place that didn’t just serve students; it believed in them. As someone who is deeply passionate about helping students build meaningful lives and relationships, I saw UCF as an institution where I could contribute to something bigger than myself. I love that we value access, growth, and transformation, and that aligns so naturally with both my teaching philosophy and my purpose.
2. What’s one small thing about UCF that still makes you smile?
Students standing in line for popsicles, ducks, and Universal Knights tickets. It isn’t the standing in line itself; it’s seeing students access the many opportunities available to them. It’s also the kindness of our students. Whether it’s holding a door, helping a classmate, or sharing a moment of honesty in discussion, those small acts remind me why I do this work. Even on busy or challenging days, those glimpses of connection and humanity ground me.
3. What’s one thing you wish more people would know about the work you do?
I wish more people understood that communication isn’t just a soft skill, it’s a critical framework. Applied human communication helps us build, maintain, and repair relationships across personal, professional, and social contexts. In my classes, we’re not just discussing theory; we’re developing tools students will use to navigate relationships, conflict, and purpose for the rest of their lives. When students realize how communication shapes their families, careers, communities, and ultimately their legacy, that’s when real transformation happens.
4. What drew you to the CIVIC Faculty Fellowship, and how do you hope it will strengthen the impact of your teaching, research, and community partnerships?
CIVIC felt like a natural extension of the work I care deeply about. I’ve always been passionate about helping people navigate meaningful conversations, especially when perspectives differ. Civil discourse, to me, is rooted in curiosity, empathy, and the willingness to stay engaged. In other spaces where I do this work, I teach and practice bridgebuilding as a form of social change, grounded in the belief that this is where cultures of peace begin. That perspective extends beyond the classroom. Through CIVIC, I’m excited to more intentionally create spaces not just for students, but for faculty, staff, and administration to engage in thoughtful dialogue and connection.
5. What have you learned through your teaching and community partnerships that might help other faculty and staff who want to strengthen connections beyond campus?
I’ve learned that connection starts with listening. The most meaningful partnerships happen when we lead with curiosity and humility rather than assumption. I’ve also seen how powerful it is to simply show up consistently and authentically. Relationships grow when people feel seen and valued. It doesn’t have to start with something big; often it begins with a conversation and a shared commitment to building something that matters.
